Courting controversy
Controversy can raise its ugly head from any quarter nowadays, given the world of social media and hyper-sensitive netizens. This time around it is Netflix web series IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack, which is in the line of fire. The row erupted over using 'Bhola' and 'Shankar' as code names for two of the hijackers in the series.
In this regard, Monika Shergill, vice-president, Content, at Netflix India, was summoned by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. After meeting the secretary, Sanjay Jaju in New Delhi on Tuesday, like always, damage control followed.
“For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers,” said Shergill, after the meeting. “The code names in the series reflect those used during the actual event,” she said in the statement.
Controversial zone
Not just IC-814, many shows and films have earned the ire of viewers recently. Back in 2021, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry summoned Amazon Prime’s India officials after a controversy erupted over the web series Tandav over ‘hurting religious sentiments’and showing Hindu deities in bad light. The show was also labelled ‘anti-Dalit’. The director, Ali Abbas Zafar issued an apology , “We are in further engagement with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to resolve the concerns that have been raised. We value your continued patience and support, and should have a solution shortly,” posted Zafar on X.
Earlier in June this year, Netflix film Maharaj came under fire. A petition filed by members of the Pushtimarg sect argued that the film, based on the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, contained content that could incite violence and hurt religious sentiments. Later, the court quashed the stay.
In the same month, Kamal Chandra-directed Hamare Baarah too came under fire for offending religious sentiments and distortion of Quranic teachings after its trailer was released. The Annu Kapoor-starrer that was set to release on June 5 was postponed to June 21. The Bombay High Court finally gave clearance after the removal of objectionable scenes and re-certification by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) following the mandated edits. The Court also imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the filmmakers for releasing uncertified trailer and the litigation getting the film ‘unpaid publicity’. In June, 2024, the Bombay HC stayed the release of the film Shaadi Ke Director, Karan Aur Johar on a petition filed by director Karan Johar as his name was used in the movie’s title without his authorisation.
Abhishek Chaubey directorial Udta Punjab too suffered CBFC’s ire with the governing body reportedly proposing 94 cuts and 13 pointers. The Bombay High Court, however, cleared the film with one cut.
Hitting it hard
Not just shows, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting blocked 18 OTT platforms for vulgar content after multiple warnings in March this year. Films are governed by the Cinematograph Act, 1952, undergo certification by the Censor Board before a theatrical release. Television follows guidelines prescribed under the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, with an intention to include OTT platforms and user-generated content within the scope of the Broadcasting Services Regulation (BSR) Bill, proposed it on November 2023. A fresh draft is due to be published after detailed consultations.
